Spurs chairman Levy determined to keep Berbatov, Defoe

The Daily Mail says Levy has told associates that Berbatov will be staying put whether he likes it or not and that he is quite happy to risk the player losing value between now and the end of the season.

It is also understood that Villa manager Martin O'Neill has made an inquiry about Defoe's availability in the past two weeks and was told that only a sizeable offer would persuade the club to sell. Given that Spurs face a possible schedule of eight games in 25 days they are likely to need every top player they can get their hands on.